News

St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman has ruled against a request to suppress evidence in the dismemberment case involving defendant Wade Allen. During a 70-minute proceeding Friday, Stutesman went into lengthy detail about the extensive research he conducted to help reach his conclusion. Allen’s attorney, David Marvin, had requested evidence a Sturgis Public Safety officer and then-director Geoff …

Sheriff’s deputies were recently called to a larceny incident at a barn in Burr Oak Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the incident was investigated Aug. 28 in the 62000 block of Burr Oak Road. Investigators said a number of items, including a Simcoe horse saddle and several tools, were stolen from outbuildings on the property.

An auto-theft ring originating in LaGrange County was broken up by authorities and three St. Joseph County residents have been arrested. An investigation by LaGrange County, Shipshewana Police Department and Michigan State Police led to the arrest of Kyle Miller, 33, of White Pigeon; Joshua Webb, 31, of Constantine and 26-year-old Katie Ann Shephard of Three Rivers. They were arrested …

Fall sports have been approved by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. The Lansing-based organization announced Thursday the authorization of full fall sports competition, which had been on hold because of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s orders. Whitmer last week gave the go-ahead to open up gyms and pools and subsequently, the MHSAA took action and decided to proceed. Football practices can …

Michigan Department of Transportation is starting a road-resurfacing project Tuesday (9-8-20) in Mottville Township. MDOT’s Nick Schirripa said the $1.2 million project will start on U.S. 12 at the St. Joseph River in Mottville and continue east to U.S. 131. The work will include a stretch of M-103, south of U.S. 12. Schirripa said the resurfacing will involve single-lane closures …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday that gyms can reopen after 5 1/2 months of closure and additional organized sports can resume if masks are worn — lifting some coronavirus restrictions that lasted longer in Michigan than in many states. The order, which takes effect next Wednesday, allows for the reopening of fitness centers and indoor pools in a swath of the …

A semi tractor-trailer became engulfed in flames on Interstate 94 in Calhoun County near Marshall this week. Michigan State Police troopers were dispatched to an area near Portello Road on the westbound side of the interstate. Authorities said the semi was hauling a trailer with car parts. It caught fire and the trailer became engulfed in flames, as well. No …

A White Pigeon man was arrested this week following an incident in Mottville Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called Monday to the Mottville Township Marathon gas station in response to a disorderly subject. Deputies subsequently located a vehicle speeding westbound on U.S. 12 from Vistula Road. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop, however it took off at …

A Sturgis man was injured after losing control of the motorcycle he was driving this week in Sherman Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly before 8 p.m. Monday to Shimmel Road, in an area near Storms Road. Investigators said a 29-year-old man was traveling south on a motorcycle at what appears to be a high rate of …

A Marcellus woman was injured after she was involved in an accident Wednesday in Cass County’s Volinia Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called at 4:45 p.m. to the area of Marcellus Highway and Russ Forrest. A vehicle driven by 77-year-old Nancy Hurley was traveling east on Marcellus Highway when it left the roadway and struck a culvert at Dowagiac Creek. Hurley’s vehicle …